Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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JKT inaugurates science, computer labs in two govt schools of Khanewal

By
Kamran Muraad
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MULTAN, Oct 14 (APP):Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT), inaugurated newly established Science and Modern Computer Laboratories at Government Girls Higher Secondary School Kacha Khoh and Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School Khanewal.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Tareen emphasized the importance of adapting Pakistan’s education system to the rapidly changing global landscape. “The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace. This is the age of information technology, if we do not transform our educational model accordingly, we will be left far behind,” said Jahangir Khan Tareen. “Our goal is to equip our children with modern education so they can compete confidently on a global stage.”
He highlighted that TEF has already established TICER (Tareen Institute for Computer Education and Research) in Lodhran, where students are receiving advanced IT training.
“When we launched education projects in Lodhran through TEF, the district’s education ranking rose to number 2 and 3 across Punjab” he said, adding, “Pakistan has immense potential. We must provide greater opportunities for children in underdeveloped districts so they can realize their talents and shine like students of leading institutions such as Beaconhouse or City School.”
Deputy Commissioner Khanewal, Dr. Salma Suleman, praised the initiative, stating that TEF has established six Science and Computer Labs in government schools across the district. “We are deeply grateful to Jahangir Khan Tareen for his contribution and request him to extend this initiative to all schools of Khanewal,” she said. “We also plan to collaborate with TICER to introduce e-commerce and digital skills classes in local schools and begin training programs for teachers.”
Akbar Khan, Chief Executive Officer of TEF, noted that Jahangir Khan Tareen has invested billions of rupees in educational projects over the past 15 years. “In Khanewal alone, TEF has established six fully equipped Science and Computer Labs so far,” he shared. “A sum of PKR 100–110 million has been allocated for modern education facilities for the children of Khanewal district.”
The event was also attended by Chief Executive Officer (Education) Khanewal, Fayyaz Ahmed Sandhu, who appreciated TEF’s efforts to modernize public education.
To promote environmental awareness, Jahangir Khan Tareen and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Salma Suleman also planted trees at the Government Boys Model High School Khanewal as part of the ceremony.

Shaza Fatima holds high-level meetings to boost Pakistan’s global digital cooperation

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Tuesday held a series of high-level meetings with international leaders in technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity to enhance Pakistan’s global digital cooperation and innovation under the Digital Nation vision.

On the sidelines of GITEX 2025 in Dubai, during a meeting with Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Principal Cybersecurity Advisor to the UAE Government, Shaza Fatima discussed strengthening cyber resilience, advancing cloud governance, and expanding collaboration in AI and data infrastructure, said a news release received here.

The Minister also met UAE’s largest sovereign cloud platform G42 (Group 42), Abu Dhabi, to explore partnerships on sovereign cloud infrastructure, AI innovation hubs, and GPU-based national compute capacity under Pakistan’s Cloud First Policy.

Both sides agreed to develop frameworks for data sovereignty, cybersecurity capacity building, and joint training initiatives.

The Minister also met Vasile Catalin, Advisor at the Ministry of Economy, Romania, to discuss cooperation in cybersecurity, AI policy and ethics, and digital governance.

Both sides agreed to explore institutional linkages between Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT) and Romania’s National Cybersecurity Directorate (DNSC), as well as partnerships in e-governance, innovation ecosystems, and academic exchange programs.

In a separate meeting, Dr. Ramin Hasani, CEO & Co-Founder of Liquid AI (an MIT spinout), briefed the Minister on next-generation “liquid neural networks.” Both parties discussed collaboration on AI skill development, startup incubation, and research partnerships to support Pakistan’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025.

Similarly, during a meeting with Andrew Feldman, CEO of Cerebras Systems, discussions centered on establishing AI infrastructure, launching AI-focused training programs, and supporting local startups through access to advanced compute systems.

National Polio eradication campaign continues

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP):The nationwide anti-polio drive entered its second day with remarkable progress, as over 12.7 million children across Pakistan were vaccinated against the crippling disease on the first day.
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), in its latest update, the NEOC reported that Punjab led the campaign with 7.325 million children vaccinated, followed by Sindh where 2.567 million received the oral polio vaccine.
 In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the number stood at 1.768 million, while Balochistan vaccinated 667,000 children. The federal capital Islamabad recorded 108,000 vaccinations, Gilgit-Baltistan 93,000, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir 246,000.
The NEOC reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating polio through coordinated and sustained efforts, emphasizing that the current campaign aims to immunize more than 45 million children nationwide during the week.
Parents and communities have been urged to welcome vaccination teams and ensure that all children under five years of age receive the life-saving drops.
“Polio is a dangerous disease that can cause lifelong disability in children,” the NEOC warned, adding that the success of the campaign depends on the active cooperation of parents and communities.
The national campaign reflects Pakistan’s ongoing determination to eliminate polio and protect future generations from this preventable disease.

SW&BM trainee delegation visits PSCA

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP):A delegation comprising 25 trainee officers along with faculty members from the Punjab Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Mal (SW&BM) Department visited Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) on a study tour on Tuesday.
Chief Administration Officer Amara Athar briefed the delegation on PSCA’s vision, its use of modern technology, and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing public security across the province. She highlighted that the Authority’s state-of-the-art camera network, communication systems, and integrated operations platform are playing a pivotal role in maintaining law and order throughout Punjab.
On this occasion, Operations Commander Muhammad Shafiq Chaudhry led the delegation on a tour of various departments within the Authority. These included the Operations Monitoring Center, Emergency Helpline 15, Virtual Women Police Station, Virtual Center for Child Safety, and the Virtual Blood Bank.
According to the PSCA spokesman, during the briefing it was revealed that the Authority has launched a Public Safety App to ensure quick assistance for persons with disabilities. Through this app, individuals with speech impairments or other special needs can easily seek help. Furthermore, panic buttons have been installed across various districts in Punjab to enable a rapid emergency response.
It was also briefed that PSCA’s modern camera systems and analytics tools are proving effective in identifying sources of smog and environmental pollution, enabling timely action.
The visiting delegation appreciated PSCA’s advanced technological infrastructure, effective security management procedures, and professional working environment. They described the initiative as a model example of integrating public safety with technology for the greater good of citizens.

Meeting held on bone marrow transplantation project at PHOTA

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP): An important meeting on the Bone Marrow Transplantation Project was held on Tuesday at the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA) under the chairmanship of Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Technical Dr. Muhammad Waseem, Director General PHOTA Professor Muhammad Amir Zaman Khan, CEO Punjab Healthcare Commission Dr. Muhammad Saqib Aziz, President Pakistan Medical Association Dr. Muhammad Izhar Chaudhry, Professor Ghiyas-un-Nabi Tayyab, and other senior officials. Dr. Onaiza Qamar from PKLI joined the session via video link.
During the meeting, progress and key steps related to the Bone Marrow Transplantation Project were reviewed. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said that, on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the government aims to launch the bone marrow transplantation facility at the earliest.
He emphasized that patient safety and quality care are top priorities during transplantation procedures. He further stated that the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program, Dialysis Program, and Special Initiative for Transplant Program are flagship healthcare projects of the Punjab government. PHOTA has been tasked with further planning and strategy development for the Chief Minister’s Special Initiative for Transplant Program.
Khawaja Salman Rafique reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing the best healthcare facilities to the public and said strict action is being taken against illegal human organ transplantation in the province.
Valuable suggestions from all stakeholders were also taken into consideration during the meeting.

LHC disposes of Jamaat-e-Islami plea against delay in local govt polls

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday disposed of Jamaat-e-Islami’s petition challenging the delay in holding local government elections in Punjab, in light of the Election Commission’s assurance that polls would be held by the end of December.
Justice Farooq Haider heard the petition filed by Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ziauddin Ansari, who had contended that the delay in local elections was unconstitutional and against democratic principles.
During the hearing, Advocate General Punjab Amjad Pervez informed the court that the Punjab Assembly had recently passed a bill to conduct local government elections, while new rules were being framed.
Election Commission of Pakistan’s counsel Imran Ranjha stated that the delimitation process would be completed within two months and that local government elections were scheduled for the last week of December.
Following this assurance, the petitioner’s counsel, Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali, chose not to press the petition further. Consequently, the court disposed of the petition as having become infructuous.

Noman Ali takes Pakistan ahead against South Africa in Lahore test

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP): Left-arm spinner Noman Ali grabbed two late wickets in defense of 277 in the fourth innings to take Pakistan ahead against South Africa in the last session of the 16-wicket third day of the first test as the spinners ruled the roost at Gaddafi stadium here on Tuesday.
The Proteas started second innings in the last hour of the afternoon session on day 3 needing a few more than what they scored in their first innings – merely 277 runs – for glory and go 1-0 up against Pakistan in the two-test match series at the Gaddafi stadium on Wednesday. They have already scored 51-2.
Needing 226 runs to beat Pakistan and record the highest run-chase in Lahore and second highest on the Pakistani soil. Unbeaten Tony de Zorzi 16 (44), the centurion of the match, and Ryan Rickelton 29 (76), the half-centurion, are at the crease.
South African batters were faced with their nemesis in a hostile spin-friendly pitch and deft bowling duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali who shared nine wickets between them in the first innings.  It will be highest chase by a visiting team on Pakistani soil if South Africa overhauled the total. Previously, Sri Lanka chased down 220-8 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2000.
South Africa lost stand-in-captain Markram 3 (11) as he tried to hoist Noman Ali out of the park and Wiaan Mulder 0 (3) who was smartly caught in the slip by Salman Agha which gave Noman Ali the seventh wicket of the match.
Earlier in the day, the started at 216-6 and scored 269-10 in the first hour of the play. Tony de Zorzi 104 (171) scored a stoic century for South Africa. He started his innings at the overnight score of 81 and added 23 runs before he was caught by Shaheen Shah Afridi off Noman Ali. Zorzi was the man of crisis for the Proteas as he came to the crease with team total at 80 but with the fall of seventh wicket of Muthusamy 11 (34) at 228 he decided to score quickly and went on to bring up his second century.
The proteas conceded a lead of 109 runs in the first innings.
If Pakistan batters had scored four half-centuries in the first innings, they could score none in the second innings and skittled out for 167-10 in 46.1 overs to set the Proteas 277 for victory in the first test match of the series at Gaddafi stadium here on Tuesday.
Pakistan started poorly in their second innings as they lost two wickets within 10 overs when Imamul Haq fell for 0 (2) playing an extravagant stroke on a turning pitch against Simon Harmer while Shan Masood 7 (17) also snared lbw to a faster ball by the same bowler.
Abdullah Shafique played an edgy knock of 41 (73) and looked to make amends for the poor stroke-play in the first innings but gave a catch back to the bowler Muthusamy.
Once again it was all about Babar Azam and all had looked to come to watch Babar Azam play a big knock. Babar Azam, on the eve of his birthday looked in great control, and looked destined to it as he middled the ball better than the first innings and built the only fifty plus partnership of the innings with Saud Shakeel.
Babar Azam middled the ball like no other and Saud Shakeel, who took seven balls before hitting a boundary, swept freely against the spinners. Babar took his score to 42 from 30 when he plundered three consecutive boundaries against Muthusamy in the 30th over of the innings. Aiden Markram replaced Harmer with Subrayen as the spin looked helpless.
Markram brought Kagiso Rabada back in the attack for the second spell and he got better of Babar Azam as a ball nipped back sharply and hit him on the back leg. Babar reviewed the decision but the replays retained umpire’s call. Babar was unlucky not to score big.
Mohammad Rizwan joined Saud at the crease and both shared a partnership of 31 runs before Saud Shakeel 38 (53) was caught by Stubbs off Muthusamy with team total 150-5.
Saud Shakeel’s fall set in a ‘great’ collapse as wickets fell helter-skelter as Pakistan lost next five wickets for 17 runs courtesy a 16 ball 11 by Noman Ali who gave Muthusamy his second fifer in the match and 11 wickets in the match. Rizwan followed Saud Shakeel at the same score as he was clean bowled by Harmer after he was joined by Salman Ali Agha at the crease. Shaheen Shah Afridi 0 (6) was back in the hut without scoring a run off Muthusamy while Salman Agha 4 (11) was cleaned by Muthusamy as he tried to score fast. Sajid Khan (1) could not last more than five balls.
Pakistan lost seven wickets for 48 runs from Babar’s fall at 119 and the innings folded at 167-10 and gave South Africa 277 to chase
Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton started cautiously for the South Africa.

NA Security Staff complete training at Police College Sihala

By
Kamran Muraad
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RAWALPINDI, Oct 14 (APP):A passing-out parade for the National Assembly (NA) Security Staff Course was held at the Police College Sihala on Tuesday.
Fifteen security staff members of the National Assembly completed the specialised training course designed to enhance their professional competence.
College Commandant Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ashfaq Ahmad Khan attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Deputy Commandant Abdul Rauf Babar, SP Course Commander Shoaib Aqeel, dignitaries and parents of the trainees were also present.
Addressing the participants, DIG Ashfaq Ahmad Khan congratulated the college administration and instructors on their efforts in completing the course. He said the training had been conducted on modern lines, covering VVIP protection, building and movement security, and professional response under pressure.
He said particular emphasis had been placed on stress and anger management, media handling and practical VVIP security exercises. “The dedication and discipline shown by the security staff during the course should be reflected in their professional duties as well,” he remarked.
The commandant said that Police College Sihala, established in 1959, was the largest police training institution in Pakistan, where more than 100,000 officers and officials from various departments had received training so far.
He added that the training modules had been designed in line with the principles of discipline and professionalism, with special focus on the operational needs of the National Assembly’s security staff.

White Cane Day marked at BZU

By
Kamran Muraad
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MULTAN, Oct 14 (APP):White Cane Day was celebrated at Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) under the auspices of the Zakrian Special Community to promote awareness and support for persons with disabilities.
A large number of students and faculty members participated in the event, which highlighted the rights and social inclusion of special persons.
The ceremony was attended by Director Mass Communication Dr. Tahir Mahmood, Director Social Welfare Multan Ms. Umm-e-Farwa, CEO Mainstream Association Nader Khan, DSA English Department Mr. Mustansar Afzal Lodhi, Principal Model School BZU Ms. Nusrat Anjum, and Head of Special Education Department Dr. Nadeem Iqbal.
The event was efficiently organized by Zakrian Special Community President Farhan Ahmad, with valuable support from Ms. Sania Zaidi. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to empowering differently-abled individuals and ensuring their active participation in all spheres of life.

DC reviews arrangements for upcoming Raiwind Tablighi Ijtima

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP): On the special directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, an important meeting was held at the Raiwind Tablighi Markaz to review arrangements for the forthcoming annual congregation.
The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza and attended by DG LDA Tahir Farooq, CCPO Lahore, DIG Operations, Chief Officer LWMC, and officers from other relevant departments. Members of the Tablighi Jamaat Shura also participated and apprised the administration of issues related to street lighting, patchwork, sewerage, and other civic matters.
The Deputy Commissioner Lahore assured the Shura members that all identified issues would be resolved well before the commencement of the congregation. He directed all departments to complete their assigned responsibilities by October 21 and ensure the provision of all required facilities at the venue.
He instructed that streetlights along routes leading to the congregation site be made fully functional, and that LWMC prepare a comprehensive cleanliness plan to maintain hygiene during the event. The DC also emphasized the need for a foolproof security plan, urging police authorities to ensure its effective implementation.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Traffic Police to devise an integrated traffic management plan for the convenience of participants and ensure smooth vehicular flow throughout the congregation period. He further instructed all departments to remain in close coordination with the district administration and maintain round-the-clock liaison for timely response and support.
Syed Musa Raza said that hosting participants of the congregation was an honour for Lahore’s administration. “On the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all possible facilities will be provided to the guests, and no negligence in arrangements will be tolerated,” he said.
He added that all relevant departments must perform their duties efficiently and complete the required arrangements within the given timeline. The Deputy Commissioner also announced that a follow-up meeting would be held with Shura members to review progress on the finalized measures.
“Ensuring a peaceful and well-managed environment for participants of the congregation is our foremost priority,” the DC said, adding that the district administration would utilize all available resources to ensure smooth and successful arrangements for the event.
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